CMEP Calls for No Expansion of Violence in the Middle East

In response to the April 14th Iranian attack against Israel, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) urgently calls for all parties to de-escalate and take actions to ensure this latest crisis does not lead to a broader regional war that will only serve to further empower extremists, deepen divisions, and bring death and suffering to more innocent lives.  

This latest sequence of lethal violence, which began earlier this month with an suspected Israeli attack against an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, is the most recent in the dangerous ongoing attacks between Israel, Iran, and Iranian-allied groups that threatens to consume the entire region.

We call on the Biden Administration, Members of Congress, and all those in positions of authority to do everything in their power to counsel restraint and pursue long term diplomatic solutions. U.S. citizens do not want to be dragged into another disastrous Middle Eastern war that will cost thousands of innocent lives and further destabilize the region. At this moment, we must also not let this new confrontation divert critical attention from the ongoing massacre and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza and the escalating attacks on innocent civilians in the West Bank. Only a permanent comprehensive ceasefire, release of hostages, and an end to the fighting in Gaza can help bring about an end to the violence throughout the region and establish a pathway for further diplomatic efforts. 

Now is the time for bold U.S. leadership that prioritizes an immediate ceasefire, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid over further arms sales, military action, and retribution. We pray that President Biden and all leaders will have the faith, strength, moral conviction, and commitment to work for peace, human dignity, and a better future.